Drinkware and plateware and active temperature control module for same

ABSTRACT

An active temperature control module can be used with drinkware and plateware devices. The drinkware can be a mug made of metal, and optionally coated with a ceramic material. The active thermal control module can optionally be removably coupleable to a surface of the drinkware or plateware device. The module can include at least one heating element that can thermally communicate with a surface of the drinkware or plateware device to thereby effect heat transfer through the base to food stuff (e.g., a solid food, a liquid food) in the drinkware or plateware device. The module can include at least one sensor configured to sense a parameter of the foodstuff, and at least one power storage element configured to provide power to the at least one heating element. The module can include control circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more heating elements, and a transceiver configured to transmit operating information of the module to a remote electronic device and to receive operating instructions from the remote electronic device. Optionally, the module can include a heat transfer pack that can thermally communicate with the at least one heating element, and which can be interposed between the at least one heating element and a surface of the drinkware or plateware device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. Thisapplication claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/335,443, filed May 12, 2016, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference and should be considered a part of thisspecification. This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.14/712,313, filed May 14, 2015, the entire contents of all of which arehereby incorporated by reference and should be considered a part of thisspecification.

BACKGROUND Field

The present invention is directed to a drinkware or plateware device,and more particularly to a drinkware or plateware device with adetachable active temperature control module used to heat or coolcontents thereof.

Description of the Related Art

Ceramic mugs, used for example to drink coffee and tea, are well knownand used at home, in restaurants and cafes. However, conventionalceramic mugs do not allow the beverage to remain hot throughout thebeverage drinking process, so that the liquid temperature decreasesduring consumption of the beverage. Ceramic mugs also have poor thermalconductivity, making common ceramic mugs unsuitable for use with aheating unit (e.g., to try to heat the liquid in the mug to maintain itin a heated state during the drinking process).

SUMMARY

There is a need for a detachable active temperature control module thatcan be used with drinkware and plateware devices (such as a mug orplate) for heating or cooling the contents thereof (e.g., coffee, tea,water, food) that is easy to use and that can optionally communicatewith electronics (e.g., smartphones) to allow easy operation of themodule. Additionally there is a need for a module that can be easilyattached to and detached from the drinkware and plateware device toallow the device to be washed without risking damage to the electronicsin the module. Further, there is also a need for a module that can beused with existing plateware and drinkware devices (e.g., existingplates or mugs) in a user's kitchen. There is also a need for a modulethat can be used with a plurality of mugs (e.g., at a café) operable tomaintain a drinking temperature of a beverage in a mug for an extendedperiod of time (e.g., while the user is in the café) to improve thecustomer experience.

In accordance with one aspect, a beverage container system is provided.The system comprises a container made of metal and having a body with anopen top end, a circumferential wall and a base at a bottom end, thebody having a chamber defined by the circumferential wall and base ofthe body. The system also comprises a temperature control moduleremovably coupleable to the bottom end of the container. The modulecomprises at least one heating or cooling element configured to beplaced in thermal communication with the base of the body when themodule is coupled to the container to thereby heat or cool at least aportion of the chamber, control circuitry configured to controloperation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, at least onepower storage element configured to provide power to one or both of thecontrol circuitry and the at least one heating or cooling element, andone or both of a wireless transmitter configured to transmit informationof the module to a remote electronic device and a wireless receiverconfigured to receive information from the remote electronic device.

In accordance with another aspect, a temperature control moduleremovably coupleable to a beverage container is provided. The modulecomprises at least one heating or cooling element configured to beplaced in thermal communication with a surface of the container when themodule is coupled to the container to thereby heat or cool at least aportion of a chamber of the container. The module also comprises atleast one temperature sensor configured to contact a surface of thecontainer when the module is coupled to the container, the at least onetemperature sensor configured to sense a parameter indicative of atemperature of contents in the container, control circuitry configuredto control operation of the one or more heating or cooling elements, atleast one power storage element configured to provide power to one orboth of the control circuitry and the at least one heating or coolingelement, and one or both of a wireless transmitter configured totransmit information of the module to a remote electronic device and awireless receiver configured to receive information from the remoteelectronic device.

In accordance with another aspect, a temperature control moduleremovably coupleable to a plateware device is provided. The modulecomprises at least one heating or cooling element configured to beplaced in thermal communication with a surface of the plateware devicewhen the module is coupled to the plateware device to thereby heat orcool foodstuff on the plateware device. The module also comprises a heattransfer pack that protrudes form an upper surface of the module and isin thermal communication with the at least one heating or coolingelement, control circuitry configured to control operation of the one ormore heating or cooling elements, at least one power storage elementconfigured to provide power to one or both of the control circuitry andthe at least one heating or cooling element, and one or both of awireless transmitter configured to transmit information of the module toa remote electronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receiveinformation from the remote electronic device. The heat transfer pack isconfigured to thermally communicate the at least one heating or coolingelement with a bottom surface of the plateware device when the platewaredevice is disposed on the module.

In accordance with one aspect, an actively heated beverage containersystem is provided. The system comprises a container made of metal andhaving a body with an open top end, a circumferential wall and a base ata bottom end, the body having a chamber defined by the circumferentialwall and base of the body. The system also comprises a temperaturecontrol module comprising at least one heating element in thermalcommunication with a surface of the body to heat at least a portion ofthe chamber, control circuitry configured to control operation of theone or more heating elements, at least one power storage elementconfigured to provide power to one or both of the control circuitry andthe at least one heating element, and one or both of a wirelesstransmitter configured to transmit information of the module to a remoteelectronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receiveinformation from the remote electronic device. Optionally, the at leastone heating element is in thermal communication with the base of thebody. Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermalcommunication with the circumferential wall of the body. Optionally, theat least one heating element is in thermal communication with the baseand the circumferential wall of the body.

In accordance with another aspect, an actively heated beverage containersystem is provided. The system comprises a container made of metal andhaving a body with an open top end, a circumferential wall and a base ata bottom end, the body having a chamber defined by the circumferentialwall and base of the body. The system also comprises a temperaturecontrol module comprising at least one heating element in thermalcommunication with a surface of the body to heat at least a portion ofthe chamber, control circuitry configured to control operation of the atleast one heating element, at least one power storage element configuredto provide power to one or both of the control circuitry and the atleast one heating element, one or both of a wireless transmitterconfigured to transmit information to a remote electronic device and awireless receiver configured to receive information from the remoteelectronic device, and a visual indicator on an outer surface of thecontainer that can be lit in one of a plurality of colors selected by auser via the remote electronic device to identify the container.Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermal communicationwith the base of the body. Optionally, the at least one heating elementis in thermal communication with the circumferential wall of the body.Optionally, the at least one heating element is in thermal communicationwith the base and the circumferential wall of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a mug with anactive temperature control module attached to a bottom of the mug.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the mug and active temperaturecontrol module of FIG. 1 when detached.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mug and active temperaturecontrol module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A-4B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of anotherembodiment of an active temperature control module.

FIG. 5A-5B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of anotherembodiment of an active temperature control module.

FIG. 6A-6B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of anotherembodiment of an active temperature control module.

FIG. 7A-7B show a top perspective and bottom perspective view of anotherembodiment of an active temperature control module.

FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a charging assembly for use with anactive temperature control module.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a bottom of an active temperature controlmodule.

FIGS. 10A-10B show an embodiment of an active temperature control modulewith a visual indicator screen.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a temperature control module on thecharging assembly.

FIG. 12A shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a power storage unitfor use in the temperature control module, with an outer portion of theunit partially removed.

FIG. 12B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the power storageunit of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a heat transfer element arrangement ofthe active temperature control module.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a mug with one or more temperaturesensors.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing communication between theactive temperature control module and a remote electronic device.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of a system for using a plurality ofactive temperature control modules.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of anactive temperature control module for use with existing plateware.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a mug with acharging coaster.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic front view of the mug and charging coaster ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional assembled view of the mug of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional exploded view of the mug of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 shows a partially assembled bottom view of the mug of FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective bottom view of internal components of themug of FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 shows a partial sectional view of internal components of the mugof FIG. 18.

FIG. 25 shows a sectional view of internal components of the mug of FIG.18.

FIG. 26 shows a schematic view of a heater and sensor assembly of themug of FIG. 18.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective bottom view of the mug of FIG. 18.

FIG. 28 shows a top view of the charging coaster of FIG. 18.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective bottom view of the charging coaster of FIG.18.

FIG. 30A-30B shows schematic cross-sectional views of heat spreaderdesign.

FIG. 31 shows a schematic view of a heating element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of a drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100and active temperature control module 200. The temperature controlmodule 200 can advantageously operate during at least a period of time(e.g., a portion of the period of time) during which the module 200 isattached to the container 100 to increase or decrease or maintain atemperature of a liquid in the container 100. Accordingly, the term“active”, as used herein, is not limited to continuous operation of themodule 200 while it is attached to the container 100. As used herein,heat transfer encompasses a heating, as well as a cooling, process.Therefore, a “heat transfer element” as used herein is an element thatcan effect a heating or a cooling process.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container 100 can look like a typicalceramic mug with an open top end 10, a base or closed (e.g., flat)bottom end 20 having a bottom surface 22, and a cavity or chamber 30defined by a circumferential wall 40 and the base 20. Optionally, thecontainer 100 can have a handle 27.

Preferably, the base 20 and circumferential wall 40 of the mug 100 aremade of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal (e.g.,stainless steel). In one embodiment, the mug 100 is double walled, wherethe circumferential wall 40 is defined by an inner wall 40 a and anouter wall 40 b that is spaced apart from the inner wall 40 a to definea chamber 42 therebetween. In one embodiment, the base 20 is singlewalled with a thickness of between about 0.2 mm and about 13 mm, in someembodiments about 0.3 mm.

The outer wall 40 b of the mug 100 can be coated with a ceramic materialso that the mug 100 looks like a conventional ceramic mug. The ceramicmaterial can allow the mug 100 to be coated with text and or logos, inthe same manner conventional mugs are.

In one embodiment, the chamber 42 can optionally be filled with aninsulative material. The insulative material can advantageously enhancethe thermal properties of the mug 100 by inhibiting heat loss throughthe circumferential wall 40. Additionally, the insulative material canreduce or inhibit the metallic sound of the mug 100 (e.g., ceramiccoated mug), allowing the mug 100 to sound similar to a conventionalceramic mug.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the module 200 (e.g., a heatingmodule, a cooling module, a heating/cooling module) can optionallyinclude one or more of heat transfer elements 210 (e.g., heatingelements or cooling elements or heating/cooling elements, such asthermoelectric or Peltier elements), one or more power storage element60 and/or control circuitry 80. The module 200 can removably couple tothe bottom portion of the container 100 so that the one or more heattransfer elements 210 is in contact with the bottom end 20 (e.g., thebottom surface 22) of the container 100. In the illustrated embodiment,there are no electronics (e.g., batteries, sensors, heating/coolingelements) in the container 100; all electronics and the one or more heattransfer elements 210 are in the module 200. Advantageously, this allowsthe container 100 to be readily washed (e.g., hand washed or in adishwasher), once the container 100 is decoupled from the module 200,without worrying about possible damage to electronics.

In another embodiment, the one or more heat transfer elements can beincorporated into the container 100, such as into the base 20 of thecontainer 100 (as disclosed in other embodiments herein), and power tothe one or more heat transfer elements can be communicated from themodule 200 via one or more electrical contacts between the container 100and the temperature control module 200.

FIGS. 4A-4B show one embodiment of a module 200A, which is similar tothe temperature control module 200 described above, except as notedbelow. The module 200A can have one or more magnets 6992 configured tomagnetically couple to the bottom end 20 (e.g., bottom surface 22) ofthe container 100 (e.g., couple to one or more magnets 6994 on thebottom surface 22) to couple the module 200A to the container 100 sothat one or more heat transfer elements 210A contact the bottom end 20,such as the bottom surface 22, of the container 100. Once the user isdone using the module 200A (e.g., to heat or cool a liquid in thecontainer 100), the user can decouple the module 200A from the container100 (e.g., to allow the container 100 to be washed).

FIGS. 5A-5B show one embodiment of a module 200B, which is similar tothe temperature control module 200 described above, except as notedbelow. The module 200B can removably couple to the bottom end 20 of thecontainer 100 so that the one or more heat transfer elements 210Bcontact the bottom end 20 (e.g., contact the bottom surface 22). Themodule 200B can have a threaded portion 7092 that can threadably coupleto a threaded portion 7094 on the bottom end 20 of the container 100 tocouple the module 200B to the container 100. Once the user is done usingthe module 200B (e.g., to heat a liquid in the container 100), the usercan decouple the module 200B from the container 100 (e.g., to allow thecontainer 100 to be washed).

FIGS. 6A-6B show one embodiment of a module 200C, which is similar tothe temperature control module 200 described above, except as notedbelow. The module 200C can removably couple to the bottom end 20 of thecontainer 100 (e.g., in a press-fit manner, using one or more magnets,etc.) so that the one or more heat transfer elements of the module 200Ccontact the bottom end 20 (e.g., contact the bottom surface 22) of thecontainer 100. In another embodiment, the one or more heat transferelements (e.g., a heating element, such as a resistive heater) can beincorporated into the container 100, and power to the one or more heattransfer elements can be communicated from the module 200C via one ormore electrical contacts 7192 of the container 100. Additionally, powercan be provided to one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors,capacitance sensors, tilt sensors) in the container 100 via anelectrical contact 7196 in the module 200C that contacts an electricalcontact 7198 in the container 100 when the module 200C is coupled to thecontainer 100. In such an embodiment, the bottom end 20 (e.g., bottomsurface 22) of the container 100 can be an insulated surface and the oneor more heat transfer elements and one or more sensors can be watersealed in the container 100. In one embodiment, the one or more of theelectrical contacts 7192, 7194, 7196, 7198 can be pogo pins or contactsprings, or other suitable electrical connectors. Advantageously, if themodule 200C was separated from the bottom end 20 of the container 100,the one or more heat transfer elements would remain in the container 100and be inaccessible to the user, thereby inhibiting injuries (e.g.,burns) to the user if the module 200C is decoupled from the container100 while in operation.

FIGS. 7A-7B show one embodiment of a module 200D, which is similar tothe temperature control module 200 described above, except as notedbelow. The module 200D can have a pin portion 7292 that can couple to anotched or recessed portion 7294 on the bottom end 20 of the container100 to couple the module 200D to the container 100 in a twist-lockmanner (e.g., by inserting the module 200D into the bottom end of thecontainer 100 and rotating the module 200D, for example a quarter turn,to lock the module 200D to the container 100) so that the one or moreheat transfer elements 210D contact the bottom end 20 (e.g., contact thebottom surface 22) of the container 100. Once the user is done using themodule 200D (e.g., to heat a liquid in the container 100), the user candecouple the module 200D from the container 100 (e.g., to allow thecontainer 100 to be washed).

In one embodiment, actuation of the one or more heat transfer elements(e.g., heat transfer elements 210-210D) can begin automatically upon thecoupling of the module 200-200D to the container 100. For example, oneor more sensors can sense when the module 200-200D couples to thecontainer 100 and communicate a signal to control circuitry 80 in themodule 200-200D to provide power to the one or more heat transferelements 210-210D to heat or cool the contents in the container 100.Conversely, actuation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210Dcan cease automatically upon decoupling of the module 200-200D from thecontainer 100 (e.g., based on sensed information from one or moresensors that the module 200-200D is not coupled to the container 100.Such one or more sensors can include a pressure sensor, a contactsensor, a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, or any other suitabletype of sensor for sensing the coupling or decoupling of the module200-200D with the container 100.

The control circuitry 80 can control the operation of the one or moreheat transfer elements 210-210D to control the amount of energy suppliedto the liquid in the chamber of the container 100 to maintain orincrease or decrease the temperature of the liquid. Optionally, thecontrol circuitry 80 can control delivery of power to the one or moreheat transfer elements 210-210D based at least in part on informationfrom one or more sensors that sense a parameter of quality of the liquid(e.g., temperature, volume, level, acidity, pH) where said one or moresensors can be on a surface of one or both of the module 200-200D andcontainer 100. For example, such sensors can be on the bottom surface 22of the container 100 and/or the top surface of the module 200-200D.

The control circuitry 80 can include a memory that stores or receivesone or more algorithms (e.g., wirelessly via a tablet or smartphone app,via a wired connection or during manufacturing of the module 200-200D atthe factory) that can be executed by the control circuitry 80 to controlthe operation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D and/orto determine a parameter of the liquid based on sensed information. Inone embodiment, such algorithms can be used to determine one or moreparameters of the liquid in the container 100 based on sensedinformation for another parameter of the liquid. In one embodiment, thecontainer 100 can include one or more sensors in communication withinner liquid holding chamber 30 (e.g., in contact with thecircumferential sidewall 40 or base 20, whose sensed information canprovide an indication of a temperature of the liquid in the container100, and an algorithm can calculate a volume of the liquid in thechamber based on the sensed information of the same sensor. For example,by sensing how long it takes for the liquid to change temperature uponactuation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D, thealgorithm can calculate the approximate volume of liquid in the chamber(e.g., if the container 100 is full of liquid, it may take X seconds forthe sensed temperature to change, but if the container 100 is half-fullof liquid, it may take Y seconds for the sensed temperature to change).Though such algorithms are described in connection with the container100, one of skill in the art will recognize that such algorithms can beimplemented or use by the control circuitry 80 of other drinkware,dishware and serverware devices as disclosed herein.

The sensed temperature can be communicated to the control circuitry 80,which can then adjust the amount of power supplied to the one or moreheat transfer elements 210-210D based on the sensed temperature (e.g.,the control circuitry can reduce power to the one or more heat transferelements 210-210D as the desired temperature for the liquid isapproached). Additionally, the control circuitry 80 can control theoperation of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D based onpreselected temperature (e.g., user selected temperature, such as oneprovided by the user directly via a user interface on the module200-200D, or wirelessly via a tablet or smartphone app), or based on apredetermined temperature set point (e.g., temperature set point savedinto a memory of the control circuitry 80, either by a user, such as viaa tablet or smartphone app, or at the factory during manufacture). Thecontrol circuitry 80 can advantageously control the amount of powersupplied to the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D to preventthe temperature of the liquid from increasing above the predetermined orpreselected temperature. For example, in one embodiment, the controlcircuitry 80 can include a temperature sensitive switch, which can openif the sensed temperature of the liquid in the container 100 increasesabove a temperature set point, thereby cutting off power supply to theone or more heat transfer elements 210-210D.

FIG. 8 shows a charging assembly 400 can be provided for charging themodule 200. The charging assembly 400 can have a charging plate 410 withone or more portions (e.g., recesses) 420 on which (e.g., into which) abottom portion of the module 200-200D can be placed so that acorresponding electrical contact on a charging base 396 of the module200 contacts an electrical contact 430 of the charging plate 410. In oneembodiment, the electrical contact 430 can be circular, though othershapes are possible. In one embodiment, the electrical contact 430 isgold plated. The illustrated embodiment shows the charging plate 410with two portions (e.g., recesses) 420 and two electrical contacts 430to charge two separate modules 200-200D at the same time. However, inother embodiments, the charging plate 410 can have a single portion orrecess 420 and single electrical contact 430. The charging plate 410 canconnect via an electrical cord 440 to an electrical connector 450. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 450 is a wallconnector for connecting to AC power. In other embodiments, theelectrical connector 450 can be a connector for connecting to DC power,such as to a car charger. In still another embodiment, the electricalconnector 450 can be a USB connector that allows the electrical cord tobe connected to a computer, portable battery, or to a separate wallconnector for connecting to a wall outlet (e.g., similar to charger foriPhone). With reference to FIG. 9, the module 200-200D can have anelectrical contact 298 that is annular or donut shaped and surrounds abase surface 299.

With reference to FIGS. 10A-10B, the module 200-200D can have a visualindicator screen 395 that can illustrate one or more logos or messages(e.g., regarding the operation of the module 200-200D).

With reference to FIG. 11, the module 200-200D can optionally includeone or more buttons 390 that a user can press to release the couplingbetween the module 200-200D and the container 100. For example, pressingthe buttons 390 can optionally actuate the control circuitry 80 in themodule 200-200D to change the polarity of the one or more magnets sothat they provide a repelling force, instead or an attracting force,relative to the container 100. In another embodiment, pushing thebuttons 390 mechanically decouples the magnets on the module 200-200Dfrom the bottom wall of the container 100.

FIGS. 12A-12B show one embodiment of a power storage unit 500 for usewith the module 200-200D. The power storage unit 500 can include a powerstorage element 510 surrounded by a chamber 520 filled with a phasechange material (PCM) 530. The phase change material 530 preferably hasa transition temperature of between about 50 degrees F. to about 100degrees F., in some embodiments about 70 degrees F. The phase changematerial 530 can advantageously have a transition temperature that canallow the phase change material 530 to protect the power storage element510 from high temperature swings. For example, if the module 200-200D isaccidentally placed in the dishwasher (with the container 100) to washthe container 100, the phase change material 530 can advantageouslyabsorb heat resulting from the temperature swings during operation ofthe dishwasher, to avoid damage to the power storage element 510. ThoughFIGS. 12A-12B show one power storage element 510 enclosed by the phasechange material 530, one of skill in the art will understand that aplurality of power storage elements 510 can be enclosed by the phasechange material 530. In one embodiment, the PCM can enclose all theelectronics in the module 200-200D, not just the power storageelement(s) 510.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of an arrangement of one or more heattransfer elements 210-210D and one or more sensors 550 arranged on asurface 202 of the module 200-200D that is placed in thermalcommunication with the bottom end 20 (e.g., bottom surface 22) of thecontainer 100. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 550 includes atemperature sensor 550 that can sense a temperature of the liquid in thechamber 30 via the base 22 of the container 100. In one embodiment, theone or more sensors 550 communicates the sensed information (e.g.,sensed temperature of the bottom surface 22 of the container 20) to thecontrol circuitry 80, which determines a sensed liquid temperature inthe container 10 (e.g., using an algorithm that correlates the sensedtemperature of the bottom surface 22 with the temperature of the liquidin the container 10, such as taking into account the thermalconductivity of the bottom end 20 of the container 10). The one or moresensors 550 can be spaced apart from the one or more heat transferelements 210-210D by a distance of at least about 10 mm, to inhibit theinformation sensed by the one or more sensors 550 being influenced bythe proximity of the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D;however other suitable distances are possible (e.g., at least about 5mm). In one embodiment, the distance between the one or more sensors 550and the one or more heat transfer elements 210-210D is substantiallyuniform in all directions. For example, where the one or more sensors550 includes a temperature sensor 550, the temperature sensor 550 isdisposed at least about 10 mm away from the one or more heat transferelements 210-210D to inhibit the sensed temperature by the temperaturesensor 550 being influenced by the energy output of the one or more heattransfer elements 210-210D.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a container 100 with one or moresensors 570 disposed along the height of the circumferential wall 40 ofthe container 100 to sense or measure a parameter of liquid in thechamber 30 of the container. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors570 can be a plurality of sensors 570 arranged as a strip 580 along atleast a part of the height of the circumferential wall 40 of thecontainer 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 100 can beremovably coupled to the module 200-200D, where the module 200-200D canhave an electric contact (such as 7192 in FIG. 6A) that interfaces withthe one or more sensors 570 when the module 200-200D is coupled to thecontainer 100 in order to electrically connect the one or more sensors570 with the control circuitry 80 in the module 200-200D. In oneembodiment, the one or more sensors 570 can be capacitance sensors, ortemperature sensors. Where temperature or capacitance sensors, theinformation sensed by the one or more sensors 570 can be used toestimate a liquid level in the container 100. For example, the liquidlevel in the container 100 can be estimated (e.g., by the controlcircuitry 80) by comparing a sensed reading (e.g., of temperature,capacitance) from one sensor relative to an adjacent sensor (e.g.,estimating that the liquid level is at a location between two adjacenttemperature sensors where the temperature readings from said adjacenttemperature sensors vary by more than a certain amount). In otherembodiments, the one or more sensors 570 can be other suitable types ofsensors disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 above shows a block diagram of a communication system for any ofthe modules 200-200D of the containers described herein. In theillustrated embodiment, the electronic module EM (such as the electronicmodule disclosed herein for the module 200-200D), which can include thecontrol circuitry 80, can receive sensed information from one or moresensors S1-Sn (e.g., liquid level sensors, liquid volume sensors,temperature sensors, battery charge sensors, capacitance sensors, tiltsensors or gyroscopes), which can include the one or more sensor 550,570. The electronic module EM can also receive information from andtransmit information (e.g., instructions) to one or more heatingelements (or cooling elements or heating/cooling elements) HC, such asthe elements 210-210D (e.g., to operate each of the heating elements ina heating mode, turn off, turn on, vary power output of, etc.) andoptionally to one or more power storage devices PS, such as the powerstorage elements 60 (e.g., batteries, such as to charge the batteries ormanage the power provided by the batteries to the one or more heating orcooling elements). The electronic module EM can also communicate with awireless power transmitter WPT (e.g., an inductive power transmitter)optionally on the module 200-200D. The electronic module EM can alsocommunicate with (e.g., transmit information to and receive information,such as user instructions like temperature setpoints from) a userinterface UI1 on the module 200-200D (e.g., on the body of the module200-200D). The electronic module EM can also communicate with anelectronic device ED (e.g., a mobile electronic device such as a mobilephone, PDA, tablet computer, laptop computer, electronic watch; or adesktop computer) via the cloud CL or via a wireless communicationsystem such as Bluetooth BT. The electronic device ED can have a userinterface UI2, that can display information associated with theoperation of the module 200-200D (as disclosed herein), and that canreceive information (e.g., instructions, such as user selectedtemperature for the liquid in the container) from a user and communicatesaid information to the module 200-200D (as disclosed herein).

The term “electronic module” is meant to refer to electronics generally.Furthermore, the term “electronic module” should not be interpreted torequire that the electronics be all in one physical location orconnected to one single printed circuit board (PCB). One of skill in theart will recognize that the electronic module or electronics disclosedherein can be in one or more (e.g., plurality) of separate parts(coupled to one or a plurality of PCBs) and/or located in differentphysical locations of the module 200-200D, as disclosed herein. That is,the electronic module or electronics can have different form factors.

Sensors

With respect to any of the containers disclosed above, one or moresensors S1-Sn can be provided. In some embodiments, at least one sensorS2 of the one or more sensors S1-Sn can sense a liquid level (orinformation indicative of a liquid level) in a chamber 30 of thecontainer 100.

In one embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a load cell (in the module200-200D) that can sense a weight of the container 100. The electronicmodule EM of the container 100 can receive the sensed weight informationand compare it against a reference weight data (e.g., previously sensedwhen the container was empty and/or that is stored in a memory of theelectronic module EM), and calculate a volume or level of the liquid inthe container 100 (e.g., using an algorithm to convert the sensed weightinformation to liquid volume or level measurement).

In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a pressure sensor on aportion of the chamber 30 of the container 100 and can sense ahydrostatic pressure of the liquid in the chamber 30. The electronicmodule EM can calculate a liquid volume or level based at least in parton the sensed pressure information from the sensor S2.

In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a capacitance sensor (e.g.,capacitance sensing strip) that extends along at least a portion of thelength of a sidewall of the container 100. The sensor S2 can sense acapacitance of a liquid in the container 100 relative to a capacitanceof air above the liquid level and communicate the sensed information tothe electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquidvolume or liquid level in the container 100 based on the sensedinformation. In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can sense aconductivity of the liquid or air proximate the sensor and theelectronic module EM can provide a measurement of liquid level or volumebased at least in part on the sensed information.

In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be an ultrasonic sensor on asidewall of the container 100. The sensor S2 can use a pulse-echo orwall resonance (e.g. resonance of the sidewall of the container 100) tosense information indicative of a liquid level in the container. Forexample, the sensor S2 can sense a time it takes for pulse emitted bythe sensor S2 into the chamber 30 of the container 100 to return to thesensor (e.g., once it bounces from the liquid level location). Thesensor S2 can transmit the sensed information to the electronic moduleEM, which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level inthe container based on the sensed information.

In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be an accelerometer or tiltsensor (e.g., gyroscope). The sensor S2 can sense an orientation (orchange in orientation) of the container 100 and communicate the sensedorientation information to the electronic module EM. The electronicmodule EM can estimate a liquid level in the container 100 based on thesensed orientation information (e.g., using an algorithm that correlatesa tilt angle to a liquid level). For example, if the sensor S2 senses anorientation of less than a first threshold (e.g., less than 30 degreesfrom an upright position) when a user has the container 100 againsttheir lips (e.g., sensed via a sensor on the container lip or lid, suchas a contact sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) then the electronicmodule estimates the liquid level to be about full, and if the sensor S2senses an orientation greater than a second threshold (e.g., greaterthan 90 degrees from an upright position) when a user has the containeragainst their lips (e.g., sensed via a sensor on the container lip orlid, such as a contact sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) then theelectronic module estimates the liquid level to be about empty, and theelectronic module EM can use an algorithm to interpolate between the twothresholds to infer intermediate liquid levels of the container (e.g.,half full, quarter full, etc.).

In another embodiment, the sensor S2 can be a light sensor that measureslight attenuation through the liquid and provides the sensed informationto the electronic module EM, which can provide a measurement of liquidvolume or liquid level in the container based on the sensed information(e.g., using an algorithm to correlate light attenuation with liquidvolume or level).

In another embodiment, liquid level in the container 100 is measuredbased on sensed temperature (or information indicative of temperature)from one or more (e.g., a plurality of) temperature sensors S3. In oneembodiment, the one or more sensors S3 can sense how long it takes thetemperature to increase a reference number of degrees (e.g., 1 degree F.or 1 degree C.) when the chamber 30 of the container 100 is full ofliquid to provide a first reference time, and the first reference timecan be stored in a memory (e.g., a memory of the electronic module EM).Optionally, additional reference times can be provided by the one ormore sensors S3 when the chamber 115 of the container 100 has othervolumes of liquid therein (e.g., half full, ¾ full) and the referencetimes stored in said memory. During operation of the container, the oneor more temperature sensors S3 can measure how long it takes for thetemperature in the chamber to change by said reference number of degreesand communicate the sensed time information to the electronic module EM,which can provide a measurement of liquid volume or liquid level in thecontainer based on the sensed time information, for example, based on analgorithm correlating time versus liquid volume or level. In oneembodiment, the sensed time information is compared against one or moreof the reference times and the liquid level or volume interpolatedbetween the level or volume values corresponding to the reference times.Optionally, the algorithm can calculate the liquid volume or level basedat least in part on sensed ambient temperature (e.g., from a sensor S4),to account for variations in how long it takes the temperature toincreases by the reference number of degrees depending on ambienttemperature (e.g., at high altitude, low altitude, in winter, in summer,etc.). Use of the one or more temperature sensor S3 thereforeadvantageously allows measurement of temperature and liquid level in thecontainer with one sensor instead of requiring a separate sensor tomeasure liquid level, which provides for a simpler and less costlysystem. In another embodiment, the module 200-200D can have a pluralityof temperature sensors S3 along the length of the container 100 and theliquid level in the chamber 30 of the container 100 can be determined bythe electronic module EM by comparing the sensed temperature readingsfrom the plurality of temperature sensors S3 (e.g., estimating that theliquid level is at a location between two adjacent temperature sensorswhere the temperature readings from said adjacent temperature sensorsvary by more than a certain amount).

FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of a method 800 for using a plurality oftemperature control modules 200-200D in a commercial setting, such as acafé or restaurant. The method 800 can include first identifying 810 thetemperature the customer would like the liquid served at. For example,the café attendant or cashier or waiter can as the customer whattemperature they would like their coffee or tea served at, after whichthe beverage could be poured into a container (e.g., mug), like thecontainer 100 described herein, and a module 200-200D attached to thecontainer 100 and turned on to maintain the beverage at the requestedtemperature. In one embodiment, the café attendant or cashier or waitercan pull 815 the module 200-200D from a set of modules 200-200D disposedon charging bases (e.g., like off a conveyor belt). The attendant,cashier or waiter could then tag 820 the customer to the container 100,for example using near field communication, to allow tracking of themodule 200-200D. In one embodiment, the module 200-200D could have analarm installed 830 that is activated when the module 200-200D isdecoupled from the container 100, inhibiting users from decoupling themodule 200-200D without detection. In another embodiment, the near fieldconnection (e.g., Bluetooth connection) between the module 200-200D andthe container 100 can be broken if the container 100 is more than apredetermined distance from a reference location (e.g., from thecounter), and an alert (visual, audio) can be sent to an operator (e.g.,attendant). In still another embodiment, the control circuitry 80 canreceive a notification when the near field connection has been brokenand cease operation of the module 200-200D. In one embodiment, the café,restaurant or establishment could have sensors near the exits to senseif a module 200-200D is passing through the exit, to inhibit theft ofthe modules 200-200D.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa temperature control module 200E, which is similar to the temperaturecontrol module 200-200D described above, except as noted below. Themodule 200E can be used with existing plateware or serverware that usersmay have (e.g., existing plates, bowls, platters, soup tureens, etc.).In the illustrated embodiment, the plateware is a plate 910 with a rimunderneath its bottom surface that allows the bottom surface of theplate 910 to sit away from a supporting surface (e.g., table, counter).However, persons of skill in the art will recognize that the temperaturecontrol module 200E can be used with any type of plate, such as platesthat do not have a rim or ridge on its bottom surface. For example, themodule 200E can be used with plates with a bottom surface that sits flatand contacts the surface of the table, counter, etc. That is, the module200E can be used with existing plateware and serverware, irrespective ofthe shape of the plateware or serverware.

The module 200E can have some of the same components as described abovefor the modules 200-200D, including control circuitry 80, one or morepower storage elements 60, and one or more heat transfer elements 210E.Additionally, the module 200E has a heat transfer pack 900 thatprotrudes from a top surface of the module 200E and is in thermalcommunication with the one or more heat transfer elements 210E. In oneembodiment, the heat transfer pack 900 includes a thermally conductivematerial 920, such as a thermally conductive gel or thermal gap padmaterial, which contacts a bottom surface of the plateware when it isplaced on the module 200E. In one embodiment, the heat transfer pack 900is flexible. For example, when used with a plate 910 that has a rim orridge on its bottom surface, the heat transfer pack 900 can fill thespace between the rim of the plateware 910 and the bottom surface of theplateware 910 and optionally also contact a bottom surface of the plate910 that is outward from the rim or ridge of the bottom of the plate,allowing heat transfer between the one or more heat transfer elements210E and a bottom surface of the plateware 910. As discussed above, themodule 200E can be used with existing plateware and serverwareirrespective of the shape of the plateware or serverware. Accordingly,when used with plates that have a flat bottom surface (i.e., no ridge orrim on the bottom surface), the heat transfer pack 900 contacts at leastthe flat bottom surface of the plate.

Advantageously, because the module 200-200D is removable, it can be usedwith a plurality of separate containers 100. Thus, a user can use onemodule 200-200D to heat a plurality of separate containers 100 and neednot purchase a plurality of containers that each includes its separateelectronics and active temperature control module 200-200D.

FIGS. 18-19 shows another embodiment of a drinkware container (e.g.,mug) 100′ that includes an active temperature control module 200′. Acharging assembly 400′ in the shape of a coaster can receive thedrinkware container 100′ thereon. Advantageously, the drinkwarecontainer 100′ and charging assembly (charging coaster) 400′ look likeconventional/typical mugs and coasters. The drinkware container 100′ hasa visual indicator 395′ in a bottom portion of the mug 100′. As shown inFIGS. 18-19, when the drinkware container 100′ sits on the chargingassembly (charging coaster) 400′, the visual indicator is locatedvertically above the charging coaster 400′ so that it is visible. Thevisual indicator 395′ can be an LED light that can illuminate in avariety of different colors, as further discussed below. In oneembodiment, the visual indicator 395′ can be a single LED light (e.g., ahidden till lit LED light).

FIGS. 20-21 shows a cross-sectional assembled and exploded side view,respectively, of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′, which has anopen top end 10′, a base or closed bottom end 20′ having a bottom (e.g.,base) surface 22′, and a cavity or chamber 30′ defined by acircumferential wall 40′ and the base 20′. Optionally, the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., mug) 100′ can have a handle 27′. In one embodiment, thehandle 27′ can be detachable (e.g., include a rare earth magnet thatallows it to couple to the wall 40′. The handle 27′ can include acustomizable feature that allows the user to readily identify thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ as theirs and distinguish it fromothers. For example, different handle designs 27′ can be attached to thewall 40′ of the same drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to facilitateidentification of the mug 100′. In another embodiment, a colored ringcan be clipped to the handle 17′ to facilitate identification. In oneembodiment (not shown), a lid can be provided to cover the top end 10′to further aid in maintaining the temperature the liquid in thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′, such as when the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., mug) 100′ is not in use or is being moved around theoffice or home.

The base 20′ and circumferential wall 40′ of the drinkware container100′ are made of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal (e.g.,stainless steel), which advantageously provides a durable drinkwarematerial 100′ that does not break easily. The drinkware container (e.g.,mug) 100′ is double walled, where the circumferential wall 40′ has aninner wall 40A′ and an outer wall 40B′ that is spaced apart from theinner wall 40A′ to define an annular channel or chamber 42′therebetween. The inner wall 40A′ couples to the outer wall 40B′ at aproximal end 12′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ thatdefines a rim 12A′ (e.g., drinking rim), so that the annular channel 42′extends to about the proximal end 12′ between the inner wall 40A′ andouter wall 40B′. Accordingly the base 20′ is suspended (e.g., notattached laterally) relative to the outer wall 40B′. In one embodiment,the base 20′ is single walled with a thickness of between about 0.2 mmand about 13 mm, in some embodiments about 0.3 mm. The circumferentialwall 40′, including the inner wall 40A′ and outer wall 40B′ can be adeep drawn stainless steel structure, where the outer wall 40B′ iscoated with a ceramic material so the drinkware container (e.g. mug)100′ looks like a typical ceramic mug.

The outer wall 40B′ of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ iscoated with a ceramic material so that the drinkware container (e.g.,mug) 100′ looks like a conventional ceramic mug. The ceramic materialadvantageously allows the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to becoated with text and or logos, in the same manner conventional mugs are.In one embodiment, the outer wall 40B′ of the drinkware container (e.g.,mug) 100′ can be laser etched with artwork.

In one embodiment, the chamber 42′ is empty (e.g., filled with air). Inanother embodiment, the chamber 42′ can optionally be filled with aninsulative material (e.g., polyurethane foam). The insulative materialcan advantageously enhance the thermal properties of the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., mug) 100′ by inhibiting heat loss through thecircumferential wall 40′. Additionally, the insulative material canreduce or inhibit the metallic sound of the drinkware container (e.g.,mug) 100′ (e.g., ceramic coated mug), allowing the drinkware container(e.g., mug) 100′ to sound similar to a conventional ceramic mug. Instill another embodiment, the chamber 42′ can be under vacuum. In stillanother embodiment, the annular channel or chamber 42′ can be filledwith a phase change material (PCM) that can reduce the temperature of aliquid poured into the chamber 30′ that has a temperature above thetransition temperature of the PCM.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20-21, the temperature control module200′ is housed in a cavity 50′ defined below the base 20′, and moreparticularly defined at least in part below the surface 22′ andsurrounded by the outer wall 40B′. As discussed above, the base 20′ issuspended relative to the outer wall 40B′. Optionally, the cavity 50′ isin communication with the annular channel 42′, as shown by the arrow FCin FIG. 21.

With continued reference to FIGS. 20-21, the drinkware container 100′can have a locking ring 52′ attached to the inner surface of the outerwall 40B′ below the base 20′. The locking ring 52′ can retain a thermalinsulation member 70′ against the base 20′. The locking ring 52′ can bemade of metal (e.g., stainless steel) and have a plurality of engagingmembers (e.g., hooks, teeth) 52 a′. in one embodiment, the locking ring52′ is fixed (e.g., welded) to the inner surface of the outer wall 40B′.The thermal insulation member 70′ can optionally extend across the innerwidth of the cavity 50′ so as to define a barrier between the cavity 50′and the annular channel 42′.

A heating element 210′ can be in thermal contact (e.g., in directcontact with, adjacent to) the base 20′ so that the heating element 210′is between the base 20′ and the thermal insulation member 70′. In oneembodiment, the heating element 210′ can be adhered to a surface 23′ ofthe base 20′ with an adhesive. In one embodiment, the heating element210′ can be a heater flex. The heating element 210′ can connect withcontrol circuitry 80′ (e.g., a printed circuit board, PCB) as furtherdiscussed below.

Optionally, a heat conductive coating or tape 205′, such as coppercoating, can be disposed on the outer surface of the inner wall 40A′(e.g., adhered to at least a portion of the surface 23′ and side surface24′) and disposed between the inner wall 40A′ and the heating element210′. The heat conductive coating or tape 205′ can advantageously drawheat from the heating element 210′ away from the insulation layer 70′and instead direct it to the side surface 24′ of the inner wall 40A′,thereby reducing the amount of heat directed to the insulation layer 70′and that would need to be directed by the heat spreader 74′ away fromthe one or more power storage elements 60′. Advantageously, as shown inFIG. 24, the heat conductive coating or tape 205′ does not cover thearea of the heating element 210′ that includes the extension 210C′ withthe sensors 216A′, 216B′ or that has the temperature sensor 216D′ orsensor 216C′, thereby drawing heat away from the extension 210C′ andsensors 216D′, 216C′ and directing it to the side surface 24′ of theinner wall 40A′. In one embodiment, the heat conductive coating o tape205′ is adhered to the inner wall 40A′. In another embodiment, the innerwall 40A′ can be dipped into a heat conductive coating material (e.g.,copper coating material), with a portion of the surface 23′, 24′ (e.g.,corresponding to where the extension 210C′ and sensors 216A′, 216B′would be disposed) masked to prevent that section being coated with theheat conductive coating.

Also disposed in the cavity 50′ can be one or more power storageelements (e.g., batteries) 60′. In one embodiment, the one or more powerstorage elements 60′ can be two batteries (e.g., rechargeablebatteries). As shown in FIG. 30A, a heat spreader 74′ can be disposedabout the one or more power storage elements (e.g., batteries) 60′ canfacilitate dissipation of heat from the cavity 50′ (e.g., from thethermal insulation member 70′). In one embodiment, the heat spreader 74′can connect to an inner surface of the outer wall 40B to dissipate heatfrom the cavity 50′ to the outer wall 40B, as further discussed below.For example, as shown in FIG. 30B, in one embodiment, the heat spreader74′ can include a foil wrap laminate layer 74 a′ (e.g., of aluminum,copper, graphite) that extends between and operatively contacts theouter wall 40B′ and can drop the temperature by an additional 15-20degrees (e.g., a drop of about 16 degrees Celsius, such as from 61degrees C. to 45 degrees C.) by connecting with an inner surface of theouter wall 40B′. Without such a layer 74 a′ (e.g., with the structureshown in FIG. 30A) the heat spreader 74′ can drop the temperature byabout six degrees (e.g., from about 61 Celsius to about 56 Celsius).

With continued reference to FIGS. 20-21, an end cap 220′ can couple tothe locking ring 52′. For example, the end cap 220′ can have a pluralityof engaging elements (e.g., recesses or slots) 220 a′ that engage theengaging members (e.g., hooks or teeth) 52 a′ of the locking ring 52′.Advantageously, the end cap 220′ can couple with the locking ring 52′ sothat the outer surface of the end cap 200′ is flush with the outer wall40B′ to present a substantially seamless structure for the assembleddrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′.

A compression molded gasket 72′ can optionally be annularly disposedbetween an outer surface of the end cap 220′ and an inner surface of theouter wall 40B′ that defines the cavity 50′. Advantageously, thecompression molded gasket 72′ can seal the end cap 220′ against theouter wall 40B′ and inhibit (e.g., prevent) entry of liquid into thecavity 50′. The end cap 220′ can engage the locking ring 52′ to couplethe end cap 220′ to the circumferential wall 40′ of the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., mug) 100′ to complete the assembly, with theelectronics disposed between the base 20′ and the end cap 220′ in thecavity 50′. Therefore, the end cap 220′ defines the bottom end of thedrinkware container 100′ once assembled to the outer wall 40B′. Forexample, the following components can be disposed in the following orderbetween the base 20′ and the end cap 220′: heating element 210′,insulation member 70′, heat spreader 74′, one or more power storageelements 60′, and control circuitry (PCB) 80′. The end cap 220′ can bemade of plastic, which advantageously allows a transmitter, receiverand/or transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transmitter) on the controlcircuitry 80′ to transmit information to and/or receive information fromoutside the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. In one embodiment, thetransmitter, receiver and/or transceiver can be housed in the handle 27′and communicate with the control circuitry 80′ via a conduit in thehandle 27′.

The end cap 220′ can have a button 225′ movably mounted on a bottomsurface 222′ of the end cap 220′ (e.g., substantially at the center ofthe bottom surface 222′). The button 225′ can movably engage a switch onthe control circuitry 80′ to perform one or more functions. For example,pressing the button 225′ can turn power on/off to the electronics of thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′, such as tuning power on/off to theheating element 210′; can toggle through one or more temperature setpoints or temperature ranges stored in a memory of the control circuitry80′ and to which the heating element 210′ can be operated; reset one ormore operating parameters of the electronics in the drinkware container(e.g., mug) 100′; initiate one or more test or diagnostic functions ofthe drinkware container 100′; pair the drinkware container (e.g., mug)100′ with a remote control (e.g., a mobile electronic device; and/ortoggle through one or more colors shown by the visual indicator 395′.For example, the user can turn on power to the drinkware container(e.g., mug) 100′ by pushing the button 225′ once, and turn off power tothe drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ by pressing on the button 225′for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 2 seconds, 3 seconds). Theuser can optionally push the button 225′ for a predetermined period oftime (e.g., 4 seconds, 5 seconds), such as if the drinkware container(e.g., mug) 100′ has been off, to pair the drinkware container (e.g.,mug) 100′ with a mobile electronic device, after which the user canselect the color for the visual indicator 395′ via an app downloaded totheir mobile electronic device. If the user never pairs the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., mug) 100′ with a mobile electronic device, the visualindicator 395′ will use a default color. The user can optionally resetthe electronics in the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ by pressingon the button 225′ for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 7 seconds,8 seconds, etc.). The user can optionally reset the electronics in thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to the factory settings by pressingon the button 225′ for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 14 seconds,15 seconds, etc.). In one embodiment, the drinkware container (e.g.,mug) 100′ can have a shipping mode (e.g., entered into at the factoryprior to shipping to run tests on the mug 100′) where motion of thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ does not turn on power to the mug100′; however, once the button 225′ is subsequently pressed and mug 100′moved, the shipping mode is disabled.

As discussed above, in one embodiment, the user can press the button225′ to toggle through different temperature set points for operation ofthe drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. In one embodiment, suchdifferent temperature set points can be illustrated by a colorilluminated by the visual indicator 395′ (e.g., red for relativelyhotter, pink for less hot, blue for relatively cooler, etc.). Forexample, the user can optionally press and hold the button 225 for apredetermined period of time to activate the toggle function and onceactivated (e.g., indicated by flashing visual indicator 395′) can pressor tap button 395′ to toggle between preselected temperatures ortemperature ranges.

In another embodiment, the end cap 220′ can include a capacitance touchsensor. In this embodiment, the user can slide their finger along asurface of the end cap 220′ to select an operating temperature ortemperature range for the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ asindicated by the visual indicator 395′.

In still another embodiment, the handle 27′ can include temperaturecontrols (e.g., capacitance touch sensors or slider, buttons, rotaryring) for the user to select the operating temperature or temperaturerange (e.g., hot, warm) for the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′.

In still another embodiment, the charging assembly (e.g., chargingcoaster) 400′ can include temperature controls (e.g., touch sensors,buttons) on a rim thereof that a user can actuate while the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., mug) 100′ is placed on the charging coaster 400′ toselect the operating temperature or temperature range for the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., mug) 100′. In one embodiment, the temperature controlcan be a touch sensitive LED color bar the user can slide their fingerover to select the approximate desired temperature for the liquid in thechamber 30′. The LED color bar can allow the user to adjust thetemperature set point for the liquid in the chamber 30′ by sliding theirfinger along the bar (e.g., between a relatively less hot temperatureand a relatively more hot temperature).

In still another embodiment, the charging assembly (e.g., chargingcoaster) 400′ can include a hall effect sensor that can sense rotationof the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ while on the chargingcoaster 400′. The user can rotate the drinkware container (e.g., mug)100′ to adjust the temperature set point. The charger can sense thechange in angular position of the mug 100′ correlate said change with achange in temperature set point and identify said change for the user(e.g., via an LED color bar, via change in the color provided by thevisual indicator 395′, via one or more visual lights on the chargingcoaster 400′ that change color with the angular orientation of the mug100′), and communicate the change in temperature set point to thecontrol circuitry 80′, which can control the heating element 210′ toeffect the change.

FIGS. 22-26 show views of the heating element 210′ attached to the base20′, such as to an outer surface 41A′ of the inner wall 40A′. FIG. 22shows the bottom view of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ withthe end cap 220′ and electronics removed, and shows the heating element210′ attached to the base 20′. FIG. 23 excludes the outer wall 40B′ forclarity and shows the heating element 210′ attached to the base 20′.FIG. 24 shows the heat conductive coating or tape 205′ that attaches tothe surface 23′ of the base 20′ that is opposite the surface 22′ andunder which the heating element 210′ is disposed. As described furtherbelow, the heating element 210′ defines a crescent shaped heating areaHA. That is, the heating element 210′ does not heat the entire bottomsurface 22′ (i.e., the heating area is not circular). FIG. 25 excludesthe inner wall 40A′ for clarity and shows the heating element 210′arranged above the one or more power storage elements 60′ and anextension 210A′ of the heating element 210′ connected to the controlcircuitry 80′ arranged below the one or more power storage elements 60′within the end cap 220′.

FIG. 26 schematically shows the heating element 210′. The heatingelement 210′ can have one or more heaters 212′ (e.g., heater wires). Inthe illustrated embodiment, the heating element 210′ has a first heater212A′ and a second heater 212B′ that extend along a portion (but notall) of a generally planar area 210B′ of the heating element 210′. Thefirst and second heaters 212A′, 212B′ can extend in an undulatingfashion over a portion of the heating element 210′ generally resemblinga crescent, “Pac-Man” or C-shape (e.g., covering an asymmetric area, notcovering a circular area). In other embodiments, the at least one heater212′ can have a shape generally resembling a U-shape (e.g., covering anasymmetric area, not covering a circular area), as shown in FIG. 31. Theheating element 210′ can have a connector 214′ at an end of theextension 210A′ that extends from the generally planar area 210B′. Theconnector 214′ can optionally be a 10 pin connector that can connect tothe control circuitry (e.g., PCB) 80′. However, other suitableconnectors can be used. The first heater 212A′ and second heater 212B′can optionally be operated separately (e.g., only one of the first orsecond heaters 212A′, 212B′ being on) or simultaneously (e.g., both thefirst and second heaters 212A′, 212B′ being on at the same time).

Advantageously, the liquid in the chamber 30′ can be heated with onlyone of the heaters 212A′, 212B′. In one embodiment, the first and secondheaters 212A′, 212B′ can have the same operating parameters. In anotherembodiment, the first and second heaters 212A′, 212B′ can have differentoperating parameters. For example, the first heater 212A can operate atapproximately 19 volts, 1.39 amps and 12.3 ohms and the second heater212B can operate at approximately 3.6 volts, 5.6 amps and 0.65 ohms.Power to the one or more heaters 212′ can be cycled by the controlcircuitry 80′ to maintain the temperature of the liquid in the chamber30′ at approximately the temperature set point (e.g., user selectedtemperature set point, default temperature set point, etc.). In oneembodiment, both the first and second heaters 212A′, 212B′ optionallyoperate at the same time when the drinkware container 100′ is disposedon the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ and power isprovided to the drinkware container 100′ by the charging assembly (e.g.,charging coaster) 400′ as discussed further below. Optionally, only oneof the first and second heaters 212A′, 212B′ is operated when thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ is not disposed on the chargingassembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ and the heating element 210′ ispowered by the one or more power storage elements 60′.

With continued reference to FIG. 26, the heating element 210′ caninclude a plurality of sensors 216′. For example, the heating element210′ can have two sensors 216A′, 216B′ on an extension 210C′ thatextends from the generally planar area 210B′. The extension 210C′ canextend a distance (e.g., 10 cm, 20 cm) along the height of the innerwall 40A′ above the base 20′ to measure a liquid level in the chamber30′, as discussed further below. The heating element 210′ can also havea third sensor 216C′ disposed on the generally planar portion 210B′. Thethird sensor 216C′ is spaced apart (e.g., by about 20 mm) from the firstand second heaters 212A′, 212B′ to inhibit (e.g., prevent) operation ofthe first and/or second heaters 212A′, 212B′ from affecting (e.g.,biasing) the information sensed by the third sensor 216C′. The pluralityof sensors 216′ can communicate with the control circuitry 80′ via theconnector 214′. The one or more heaters 212′ (e.g., first heater 212A′,second heater 212B′) can communicate with the control circuitry 80′ viathe connector 214′. In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors 216′ canbe negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors. A temperaturesensor 216D′, which can optionally be a silicon temperature sensor, isdisposed near the sensor 216C′ and away from the one or more heaters212′ on the generally planar portion 210B′ of the heating element 210′.The temperature sensor 216D′ can communicate with the control circuitry80′ via the connector 214′.

The extension 210C′ can extend along a distal side portion of the innerwall 40A′ and sense information indicative of or corresponding to aliquid level in the chamber 30′. In particular, the sensors 216A′, 216B′in the extension 210C′ can sense when a liquid level in the chamber 30′is below a threshold and communicate such signal to the controlcircuitry 80′ to adjust an operation of the heating element 210′ (e.g.,reduce power to, or cease power to, the one or more heaters 212′), suchas to avoid temperature overshoot by delivering too much heat to therelatively low level of liquid in the chamber 30′. The sensor 216D′ cansense a temperature of the surface 23′ and communicate it to the controlcircuitry 80′ as indicative of or corresponding to a temperature of theliquid in the chamber 30′. The one or more heaters 212′ can heat liquidin the chamber 30′ to between about 120 degrees F. and about 145 degreesF. In one embodiment, the drinkware container 100′ can have a defaulttemperature set point of 130 degrees F., unless changed by the user(e.g., via an App using their mobile electronic device, as discussedfurther below). In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors 216′ canallow the control circuitry 80′ to automatically turn on when liquid issensed in the chamber 30′. In another embodiment, one or more of thesensors 216′, such as the sensors 216A′, 216B′, allow the controlcircuitry 80′ to automatically turn off power to the one or more heaters212′ when a liquid level in the chamber 30′ is detected signifying thatthe chamber 30′ is nearly empty or empty.

Advantageously, the control circuitry 80′ limits power to the one ormore heaters 212′ so that temperature in the chamber 30′ (e.g.,temperature of the bottom surface 22′) is below a predetermined amount(e.g., no greater than 150 degrees F.), such as when a low liquid levelis detected by the sensors 216A′, 216B′ in the extension 210C′ (e.g.,when the mug 100′ is empty) to inhibit injury to the user. In oneembodiment, the control circuitry 80′ limits power to the one or moreheaters 212′ to keep the temperature in the chamber 30′ (e.g., at thebase 20′) below a predetermined amount (e.g., no greater than 100Celsius) to heat liquid in the chamber 30′. In particular, if firmwaremalfunctions, a hardwired circuit limits power to the one or moreheaters 212′ so that they operate below a predetermined temperature(e.g., no greater than 100 Celsius) to inhibit injury to a user, such asif the mug 100′ is empty.

In one embodiment, the one or more power storage elements 60′ can allowthe one or more heaters 212′ to operate for at least 15 minutes, atleast 30 minutes, at least 45 minutes, etc. while off the chargingassembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′. In one embodiment, the one ormore power storage elements 60′, fully charged, can provideapproximately 1 hour of power to the one or more heaters 212′ when noton the charging assembly 400′. Alternatively, when on the chargingassembly 400′, the one or more heaters 212′ can operate all day (e.g.,about 8 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, about 15 hours, about 24hours).

In one embodiment, the charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′can charge the one or more power storage elements 60′ in approximatelyninety minutes at 0.5 c charging rate, and at approximately sixtyminutes at 1.0 c charging rate (e.g., fast charging). In one embodiment,the user can actuate fast charging of the one or more power storageelements 60′ via the app on their mobile electronic device (e.g.,smartphone) once it is paired with the drinkware container (e.g. mug)100′. In one embodiment, the app can allow the user to elect the fastcharging option a limited number of times to avoid affecting the workinglife of the one or more power storage elements 60′. For example, the appcan allow the user to elect the fast charging option only once (e.g.,once every month, once every few months, once ever, etc.).

The control circuitry 80′ can include an accelerometer (e.g., 3-axisaccelerometer) to sense motion of the drinkware container 100′. In oneembodiment, the control circuitry 80′ can “wake up” when motion issensed (by the accelerometer) after a predetermined period of time inwhich the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ has not moved (e.g., isin a standby state). In one embodiment, upon said sensed motion of thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ the visual indicator 395′ canoptionally illuminate to the preselected color (e.g., color selected bythe user via the app on their mobile electronic device to identify theirmug). Additionally, movement of the drinkware container 100′ after ithas been in a standby state, can automatically connect the drinkwarecontainer (e.g., mug) 100′ to the app in the user's mobile electronicdevice to which the mug 100′ was previously paired. Further, uponmovement of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ following a standbystate, the control circuitry 80′ will seek to detect liquid in thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ (e.g., via the sensors 216′). If noliquid is detected after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 minute,3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.), the control circuitry 80′ willswitch the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ back to standby state.For example, if the sensors 216A′, 216B′ sense that the chamber 30′ isalmost empty or empty, the control circuitry 80′ will enter the standbystate. The drinkware container (e.g., mug) can continue in a standbystate until it is moved or switched off via the button 225′. Whenswitched off via the button 225′, movement of the drinkware container(e.g. mug) 100′ does not wake up the control circuitry 80′. Further, asdiscussed above, the control circuitry 80′ can have one or more tiltsensors (e.g., gyroscopes), and the control circuitry 80′ will enter thestandby state if it sense the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100 hasbeen turned upside down (e.g., during a cleaning of the mug).

The visual indicator 395′, in addition to providing an identification ofthe drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can also provide an indicationof operating parameters. For example, when the power level of the one ormore power storage elements 60′ is below a predetermined amount (e.g.,low power), the visual indicator 395′ and illuminate solid red. Thevisual indicator 395′ can also indicate a charging state with adifferent color (e.g., flashing red color) and indicate a fully chargedpower storage elements 60′ with a different color (e.g., solid white).

FIG. 27 shows a perspective bottom view of the drinkware container 100′.The drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can have a pair of electricalcontacts 298′ on the bottom surface 222′ of the end cap 220′. Theelectrical contacts 298′ can be a pair or circular electrical contacts.In one embodiment, the electrical contacts 298′ can be gold plated. Anddisposed about the button 225′ on the bottom surface 222′. Theelectrical contacts 298′ can contact corresponding electrical contacts430′ (e.g., a pair of pogo pin electrical contacts) on the chargingassembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′, as shown in FIG. 28. Thecharging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ can have a recess 402′sized to receive at least a portion of the drinkware assembly (e.g.,mug) 100′ (e.g., at least a portion of the end cap 220′) so that theelectrical contacts 298′ contact the corresponding electrical contacts430′. The recess 402′ can be sized to receive drinkware containers(e.g., mugs) 100′ of different sizes (e.g., without having to use adifferent sized charging assembly 400′) and still allow the connectionbetween the electrical contacts in the drinkware container (e.g., mug)100′ and the charging assembly 400′ to effect power delivery to thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′.

The charging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′ can have a cable410′ connected via a connector 412′ that extends to a power connector(not shown) for delivering power to the charging assembly (e.g.,charging coaster) 400′. The power connector can be a wall outlet, USBconnector, micro-USB connector, etc. Optionally, the cable 410′ canremovably connect to the charging coaster 400′ via the connector 412′ sothat the charging coaster 400′ can be used without the cable 410attached to it (e.g., to support the drinkware container 100′ as atypical coaster). In another embodiment, the charging assembly (e.g.,charging coaster) 400′ can house one or more batteries to be able tocharge the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ when on the chargingcoaster 400′ while being portable (e.g., while not connected to a powersource via the cable 410′).

As discussed above, the control circuitry 80′ can have a transmitter,receiver and/or transceiver to allow the drinkware container (e.g., mug)100′ to communicate with a mobile electronic device (e.g. smartphone) asdiscussed above in connection with FIG. 15. The mobile electronic devicecan receive information from the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′,such as one or more of temperature set point, battery charge level,liquid level, an alert signal that the mug 100′ has tipped over, etc.The drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can receive information,instructions or settings from the mobile electronic device, such as oneor more of a temperature set point to heat the liquid in the mug 100′to, a color selection for the visual indicator 395′ to identify the mug100′ (e.g., identify the mug 100′ as the user's mug, relative to othermugs 100′ that may be in use) to help the user identify which mug 100′is theirs.

In one embodiment, the control circuitry 80′ can provide for voicecontrol of the operation of the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′.For example, the control circuitry 80′ can have a microphone forreceiving voice commands from the user. In another embodiment, the usercan provide voice commands to the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100via the intelligent assistant (e.g., Siri) on the user's mobileelectronic device that is paired with the drinkware container (e.g.,mug) 100′.

In another embodiment, the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can havea built in speaker for notifying the user when the liquid in the chamber30′ has reached the user selected temperature. For example, the controlcircuitry 80′ can have a “drink ready” notice provided to the user.

In still another embodiment, the temperature control module 200′ caninstead be a ring (not shown) that is placed around a conventional mugthat has no electronics in it to provide for temperature delivery to theceramic mug. Power to the temperature control module 200′ can beprovided by inductive coupling when the ceramic mug is placed on thecharging assembly (e.g., charging coaster) 400′.

In another embodiment, the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ can havea display screen that displays the type of drink the user wants. Thetype of drink can be based on a drinking history tracked, for example,by the app on the mobile electronic device that is paired with thedrinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′. The app can track the types ofdrinks the user consumes at different times of day and can display atype of drink on the mug 100′ at said time of day, which the user canalter (swipe through different selections on the display screen). Theuser can then just hand the drinkware container (e.g., mug) 100′ to thecoffee house attendee, who can simply read the drink type on the displayscreen to complete the order.

Though the features disclosed above may be described in connection withthe container 100, such as a mug, one of skill in the art will recognizethat any of the features described in this embodiment can also apply toany drinkware, dishware, serverware, and storage container (e.g., cup,travel mug, baby bottle, sippy cup, thermos, water bottle, such as areusable water bottle, carafe, soup container, bowl, plate, platter,food storage containers, such as Tupperware® containers, lunch boxes).

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms. For example, though the features disclosed herein are describedfor drinkware containers, the features are applicable to containers thatare not drinkware containers (e.g., plates, bowls, serverware, foodstorage containers) and the invention is understood to extend to suchother containers. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions andchanges in the systems and methods described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly,the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to theappended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described inthis section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatibletherewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or allof the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined inany combination, except combinations where at least some of suchfeatures and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is notrestricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protectionextends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or describedin the specification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Further, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken inthe processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shownin the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the stepsdescribed above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, thefeatures and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above maybe combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, theseparation of various system components in the implementations describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the describedcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singleproduct or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of atleast one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. Asanother example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel”and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristicthat departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees,10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by thespecific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section orelsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims aspresented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or aspresented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpretedbroadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited tothe examples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive.

Though the features and ideas disclosed above may be related to activelyheating or cooling food or beverage, the embodiments above may also beused to heat or cool air spaces, such as refrigeration devices, coldboxes, coolers, portable coolers, or portable refrigerators, or hotboxes, or warmer drawers, or heat chambers, or any other device thatwould benefit from the heating or cooling of the air within a definedcavity or chamber.

The term “electronic module” is meant to refer to electronics generally.Furthermore, the term “electronic module” should not be interpreted torequire that the electronics be all in one physical location orconnected to one single printed circuit board (PCB). One of skill in theart will recognize that the electronic module or electronics disclosedherein can be in one or more (e.g., plurality) of separate parts(coupled to one or a plurality of PCBs) and/or located in differentphysical locations of the body of the container, as disclosed herein.That is, the electronic module or electronics can have different formfactors.

Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features,aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which variouschanges and modifications can be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Moreover, the heated or cooleddrinkware need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features andaspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of skill in the artwill recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in amanner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantagesas taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects oradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while anumber of variations of the invention have been shown and described indetail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within thescope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill inthe art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that variouscombinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspectsof embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various featuresand aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with orsubstituted for one another in order to form varying modes of thediscussed containers.

What is claimed is:
 1. An actively heated beverage container system,comprising: a container made of metal and having a body with an open topend, a circumferential wall and a base, the circumferential wallcomprising an inner circumferential wall and an outer circumferentialwall spaced from each other to define an annular gap therebetween, thebody having a chamber defined by the inner circumferential wall and thebase, the outer circumferential wall extending distally of the base anddefining a cavity below the base and an opening at a distal end of thebody; a cap coupled to the outer circumferential wall and configured toseal the cavity and the opening at the distal end of the body, the capdefining a bottom surface of the beverage container; and a temperaturecontrol module housed in the cavity comprising at least one heatingelement in thermal communication with one or both of the base and a sidesurface of the inner circumferential wall to heat at least a portion ofthe chamber, control circuitry configured to control operation of the atleast one heating element, at least one power storage element configuredto provide power to one or both of the control circuitry and the atleast one heating element, one or both of a wireless transmitterconfigured to transmit information of the module to a remote electronicdevice and a wireless receiver configured to receive information fromthe remote electronic device including one or more temperature settings,the control circuitry configured to operate the at least one heatingelement to heat a liquid in the chamber to said one or more temperaturesettings; and a button disposed on a surface of the container andconfigured to actuate a switch of the control circuitry when pressed bythe user, the button operable by the user to: turn on power to thetemperature control module, turn off power to the temperature controlmodule, initiate a pairing operation of the container with the remoteelectronic device, and reset one or more operating parameters of thetemperature control module.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theannular gap is filled with an insulative material.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the outer circumferential wall and innercircumferential wall are coated with a ceramic material.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein the container is a mug.
 5. The system of claim 1,further comprising at least one sensor configured to sense a parameterof a liquid in the chamber, the at least one sensor comprising at leastone temperature sensor in thermal communication with the base and belaterally spaced apart from the at least one heating element byapproximately 20 mm to inhibit operation of the at least one heatingelement from biasing sensed temperature readings of the at least onetemperature sensor.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the containercomprises a plurality of temperature sensors arranged vertically alongthe inner circumferential wall, the control circuitry configured todetermine a liquid level in the chamber based at least on sensedtemperature readings from at least two of the plurality of temperaturessensors, at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors operableto detect when a liquid is poured into the chamber and to communicate aliquid detection signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitryconfigured to automatically turn on based on said liquid detectionsignal.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or moreelectrical contacts on a surface of the cap that are configured tocontact one or more electrical contacts on a charging base when thecontainer is placed on the charging base.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the control circuitry of the temperature control module isoperable to turn on upon receiving a motion detection signal from amotion sensor indicating movement of the container, and enter a standbystate where no power is delivered to the at least one heater if thecontrol circuitry does not receive a liquid detection signal within apredetermined time period following receipt of the motion signal.
 9. Anactively heated beverage container system, comprising: a container madeof metal and having a body with an open top end, a circumferential walland a base, the body having a chamber defined by the innercircumferential wall and the base, the circumferential wall including aninner circumferential wall and an outer circumferential wall spacedapart from the inner circumferential wall and defining an annularchannel therebetween, the outer circumferential wall extending distallyof the base and defining a cavity below the base and an opening at adistal end of the body; a cap coupled to the outer circumferential walland configured to seal the cavity and the opening at the distal end ofthe body, the cap defining a bottom surface of the container; and atemperature control module housed in the cavity, comprising at least oneheating element in thermal communication with a surface of the chamberto heat at least a portion of the chamber, control circuitry configuredto control operation of the at least one heating element, at least onepower storage element configured to provide power to one or both of thecontrol circuitry and the at least one heating element; one or both of awireless transmitter configured to transmit information to a remoteelectronic device and a wireless receiver configured to receiveinformation from the remote electronic device including one or moretemperature settings, the control circuitry configured to operate the atleast one heating element to heat a liquid in the chamber to said one ormore temperature settings; and a visual indicator disposed behind asurface of the cap and configured to illuminate in a plurality ofcolors, the visual indicator operable by the control circuitry toilluminate in a user selected color chosen via the remote electronicdevice to identify the container, wherein the control circuitry isconfigured to operate the visual indicator to illuminate at the userselected color upon receiving a sensed motion signal from a motionsensor indicating movement of the container.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein the control circuitry of temperature control module is operableto turn on upon receiving the sensed motion signal, and configured toenter a standby state where no power is delivered to the one or moreheaters if the control circuitry does not receive a liquid detectionsignal within a predetermined time period following receipt of thesensed motion signal.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the at leastone heating element is in thermal communication with the base.
 12. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the outer circumferential wall and innercircumferential wall are coated with a ceramic material.
 13. The systemof claim 9, further comprising at least one sensor configured to sense aparameter of a liquid in the chamber, the at least one sensor comprisingat least one temperature sensor configured to contact the surface of thebody and be laterally spaced from the at least one heating element. 14.The system of claim 9, wherein the container comprises a plurality ofsensors arranged vertically adjacent the inner circumferential wall, thecontrol circuitry configured to determine a liquid level in the chamberbased at least on sensed readings from at least two of the plurality ofsensors, at least one of the plurality of sensors operable to detectwhen a liquid is poured into the chamber and to communicate a liquiddetection signal to the control circuitry, the control circuitryconfigured to automatically turn on based on said liquid detectionsignal.
 15. The system of claim 9, further comprising a button disposedon a surface of the container and configured to actuate a switch of thecontrol circuitry when pressed by the user.
 16. The system of claim 9,further comprising one or more electrical contacts on a surface of thecontainer that are configured to contact one or more electrical contactson a charging base when the container is placed on the charging base.17. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one heating elementcomprises two heating elements that define a crescent shaped heatingarea on an outer surface of the base of the body.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed on the outersurface of the base of the body on a same plane as the at least oneheating element, the temperature sensor being laterally spaced from theat least one heating element so that operation of the at least oneheating element does not bias the sensed temperature readings of thetemperature sensor.
 19. An actively heated mug system, comprising: acontainer made of metal and having a body with an open top end, an innercircumferential wall and an outer circumferential wall spaced from eachother to define an annular gap therebetween, the body having a chamberdefined by the inner circumferential wall and a base, the outercircumferential wall extending distally of the base and defining acavity below the base and an opening at a distal end of the body; a capcoupled to the outer circumferential wall and configured to seal thecavity and the opening at the distal end of the body, the cap defining abottom surface of the container; and a temperature control module housedin the cavity comprising at least one heating element in thermalcommunication with one or both of the base and a side surface of theinner circumferential wall to heat at least a portion of the chamber, atleast one power storage element configured to provide power to the atleast one heating element, and control circuitry configured to controloperation of the at least one heating element, the control circuitrybeing configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile electronicdevice paired with the container, including receiving one or more userselected temperature settings from the mobile electronic device, thecontrol circuitry configured to operate the at least one heating elementto heat a liquid in the chamber to said one or more user selectedtemperature settings, receive a motion detection signal from a motionsensor in the container indicating movement of the container, receive aliquid detection signal from a sensor in the container indicating thepresence of liquid in the chamber, and operate the at least one heatingelement upon receiving the motion detection signal and liquid detectionsignal to heat the liquid in the chamber to the user selectedtemperature setting; and a button disposed on a surface of the containerand configured to be depressed by user to actuate the control circuitryto perform one or more functions chosen from the group consisting ofturning on power to the temperature control module, turning off power tothe temperature control module, initiating a pairing operation with themobile electronic device, and resetting the temperature control module.20. The system of claim 19, wherein the control circuitry is furtherconfigured to automatically enter a standby state where no power isdelivered to the at least one heater if the control circuitry does notreceive the liquid detection signal within a predetermined time periodfollowing receipt of the motion detection signal.